In Conversation with…
Maya H. More
Deputy Superintendent of Police
Anti-Corruption Bureau, Thane
My priority is to work for the justice been given to women, children, and senior citizens
You are highly educated and hold many qualifications. Our readers would like to know more about your educational achievements?
Educating oneself with virtues and humility is what I think is the best education one can acquire. Qualification is the basic of one’s life for being an educationalist. I have completed B.Com from Karad and Satara. I am a National Player in weightlifting and specialize in Kho-Kho, Volleyball & Athletics. In Police Department, I have done courses such as banking fraud, cyber-crime, traffic controlling and many others. I keep updating myself with technical qualifications which help me render service to the society.
Why you chose to be a Police officer?
There are 3 P’s that fascinate me towards the police job. They are Prestige, Power and Promotion. The police job is gratifying in all these aspects of a job.
What memories you have of your training period in Nasik? What were the challenges?
After getting selected for the post of P.S.I. through MPSC, my training was in Maharashtra Police Academy, Nasik in 1992. I was a Squad leader then, and we had to follow a stringent daily routine. Apart from making us physically tough, the academy infuses values of integrity, dedication, respect for rights of all persons, sense of justice, mental alertness at all times and a strong sense of desire to serve the community. The academy also sensitizes the officers to the emerging challenges and kindle a spirit of innovating solutions in the service of the people. It also strengthens the urge to uphold the dignity of service in the officers. It is the centre for excellence where good practices are offered along with opportunities of operational research on police subjects. Train the trainers programs are also run to ensure that we remain in constant touch with the latest training practices.
The main challenge in MPA was, as I am a lady officer and squad leader, I have to control my all squad which contains nearly 30 officers. I also underwent weapon training, horse riding, mock drill while maintaining discipline in academy.
Please share about your professional journey from initial service to being Deputy Superintendent of Police. Which department was the most challenging for you? Why?
My professional journey has been as follows:-
Mumbai Airport security., Colaba Police station (Externment Officer)., Social Branch of Crime Branch, Mumbai., Paydhuni Police station., Mumbai control room., M.R.A. Marg Police station (Detection officer)., Panvel Traffic Branch In charge., Vashi Traffic Branch In charge., APMC Police station (Admin Police Inspector)., Rabale Police station (Senior Police Inspector)., APMC Police station (Senior Police Inspector)., Anti-Narcotics Cell, Navi Mumbai (Senior Police Inspector)., Anti – Corruption Bureau, Thane (Deputy Superintendent of Police).
While working in Colaba Police station, I had handled 18 MPDA cases against hardcore criminals. It was quite challenging. Then while working as senior P.I. at Rabale and APMC police station, being a woman police officer is very challenging to handle subordinate officers and staff and also maintain law and order in jurisdiction of police station.
Which was the biggest operation in your career?
When I was working in MRA police station, under the guidance of Mr. Vishwas Nagare Patil, IPS, Senior Police officer, I conducted a raid on Rave party and arrested nearly 350 boys and girls. To appreciate my work, Zee Yuva; a television channel, made a TV Serial namely “Shauryagatha”. Please watch this serial for more information. And I have already mentioned above that in Colaba Police station I have done 18 MPDA cases against hardcore criminals, and in Anti-Corruption Bureau I arrested a Corporator red handed while taking a bribe of Rs. 50 Lakhs.
What are your priorities for social work in Thane district as a police officer?
My immediate priority is to work for the justice been given to women, children, and senior citizens. Then follows counselling drug addicts. I received an award “Rashtrapita Mahatma Gandhi Vysanmukti Seva Puraskar 2018-19” for excellent work in drug rehabilitation.
How do you manage your professional work and personal responsibilities?
This is being possible only through wonderful support extended to me by my parents, parents in-law, husband and son. I do maintain balance between my work and home.
Youth of our country, irrespective of their gender, is fascinated towards drugs. The addiction is harming their lives. They mislead their parents and spoil their own future. What is your message to the youth?
For Youth:
LOVE LIFE HATE DRUG, LOVE MUSIC HATE DRUG, LOVE DANCE HATE DRUG, LOVE FAMILY HATE DRUG.
Hold your head high and leave all the fear of mind behind. Never step back when the storm comes, instead face it head on. When you believe in yourself, nothing seems impossible.
Think beyond your ability, dream beyond your imagination. You can make your every dream come true with hard work and dedication. Keep your spirit up always and win challenges.
Stay focused on your goal; avoid the temptation on road and don’t see anything except your aim. Enjoy the life by making your dream true and be happy in your life.
For Women:
Be brave and dream big. Never let anyone break your heart, and even when someone does break your heart, get up to gather the pieces and make your own way to a happy and successful life.
May your dreams always be this big. May you always get to fly high.
In our society, women tend to tolerate domestic violence. What is your message for them? How they can approach you for support and guidance?
“You survived the abuse. You are going to survive the recovery.” This is what I tell to them. Never let someone who breaks your spirit control your life. Take charge, it’s your life. Government has appointed a lady officer in every Police Station for taking complaint of crime against women and guiding them for the rights and leading them to justice. Having said that I also urge women not to misuse the laws which are in favour of them.
What are your expectations from the state government for women empowerment especially in rural areas of Thane?
Our Government is doing a great job for women empowerment all over Maharashtra. Government has already appointed a woman police officer in police stations to handle and give guidance and support to female victims. Government should provide facility in education and availability of more jobs to help women live life with dignity and grace.
Who inspired you the most in your life?
Rani Laxmibai (Queen of Jhansi) – Her fighting spirit., Late Smt. Indira Gandhi – Leadership and Administration, Smt. Kiran Bedi, Former IPS – Motivation., Mother Teresa – Love., Parents, Teachers – Honesty, sacrament.
How do you face and overcome tough situations in personal and professional life?
I believe to live in the present moment. When we are fully aware of our current situation, we usually find a way to overcome any challenge thrown at us.
In the field of Police administrative service, there is certain criticism too, what is your experience? How do you deal with this?
As I believe to work as a team with my subordinates and my seniors, there is no criticism on me. Even if I have to face criticism going forward, I am sure I will take it in a positive manner and work upon it.
You have achieved various prestigious awards for your services. What is the importance of these awards in your life?
I do not work with the aim to receive awards but God has been kind as I have received many of them as appreciation for my good work. I always consider it as an inspiration to do even better.
You are always fit and energetic. What is the secret behind your fitness?
Having a discipline for your body, mind and soul is very important. Only once you stick to your commitments, you can have wonderful results in your life.
What is your message for aspiring lady (women) police officers?
I feel that if you work hard and with integrity, you will certainly get success. There is nothing impossible in this world. It does not matter whether you are male or female, your approach should be always positive.
How do you like it when people honour you with the title of “Dabang Police Officer”?
I feel extremely empowered, inspired to do more work for the people. I do not know why people called me “Dabang Police Officer”. It is nice to be remembered by people for the good work you do.
